Top Four Fourth of July Activities Around the Billings Area

It promises to be a busy Fourth of July weekend that is packed with activities and events in and around Billings.

Here are just a few of the highlights:

Billings has a July Fourth celebration planned for families again up in Billings Heights at Castlerock Park with Harvest Church and its Celebrate Freedom event. 10 a.m. is the Freedom Bike Ride, a Criterium Bike Race. The family carnival and other free events are underway from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with concessions available. This year's Freedom Run begins at 8:30 p.m. ending just in time for the fireworks at dusk at Castlerock Park.

Laurel's 40th annual street dance kicks off the weekend-long event from 7 p.m. to midnight on First Street, between Second and Third with Zen Classic Rock on July 3. There is a full day of July 4th activities with the 6 a.m. pancake feed at Fireman's Park. The Chief Joseph Run gets underway at 7 a.m. The Grand Parade begins at 11 a.m., preceded by the children's parade at 10 a.m. There is an all-day July Fourth street fair with booths, activities and food. The main event is the Thompson Park Fireworks Show at dusk.

Roundup has a three-day carnival planned beginning on July 3 with Independence Days. The theme is all about western history and national pride. There will be a parade on the 3rd, concerts and family activities. Fireworks at 10 p.m. on July 3rd. On July 4 in Roundup the highlight activity will be the Roundup Rodeo at 2 p.m. at the Musselshell County Fairgrounds. On Sunday, July 5, the big event is the Buttons and Bows Youth Rodeo at Ridge Riders Arena at 10 a.m.

Red Lodge's Independence Day weekend features a parade every day, July 2, 3 and 4. Parades begin at noon in the heart of Red Lodge. There will be three performances of The Home of Champions Rodeo on July 2 at 6 p.m., July 3 at 6 p.m. and July 4 at 3 p.m. at the rodeo grounds.

Absaroke: The 13th Annual Montana BBQ Cook-off is Sunday, July 5 in Absarokee and lasts until the food is gone. There will be music, vendor booths and barbecue samples, too.

And, do not forget that there is Billings Mustang Baseball on July 2 through July 5 at Dehler Park in downtown Billings. Games start at 7:05 p.m. on July 2 and 3 and 1:05 p.m. on July 4 and 5.